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Ankle Replacement Surgery

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Ultraboxer
Ultraboxer

I would like to estabish contact with anyone who has undergone ankle replacement surgery and reflect a ittle on the aftereffects and the longer term prognoses for recovery and mobility.

Having undergone such an operation about 9 months ago I am currently coming to terms with a less than welcome (and certainly unexpected) imapct upon my life and mobility.

Issues such as lack of mobility, excessive swelling and cronic pain from the ankle itself but also from the toes and lack of sensation and feeling in parts of the foot are those I am facing and would like to know how other poeple have fared, both in the short and longer term.

16 likes, 848 replies

848 Replies

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  • lainey58
    lainey58 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    I am 58 had a total ankle replacement 4 weeks ago in North Tyneside General hospital 40 yrs after my accident which smashed my ankle up. The surgery went well but I was amazed to leave the hospital 24 hrs later with zero advice on how to look after my new plastic and metal joint. The nurses didn't really know so. I was in a cast anyway for 2 weeks and asked the technician who removed my cast how to look after it. He said to start some mild weight bearing but I was less than confident of his knowledge as he seemed to be guessin. Anyway, I have been doing just that and have moved to one crutch weight earring partially on my new ankle. I still have some pain and significant swelling after nearly 5 weeks but don't expect to be rid of either for another 5-6 weeks, diminishing gradually I hope.

    i keep my leg raised above my heart level as much as possible and if sitting, put that foot up on a chair to allow easier blood flow. I also massage the ankle daily with coconut oil which allows a really easy massage. This helps and is comforting too.

    So far, so good. I am cautiously optimistic 😊

    • Princessvirgo
      Princessvirgo lainey58

      Posted

      Hi there you should have been told its non weight bearing for 6 weeks you should have left hospital in a wheelchair they don't supply it you get it from red cross for as long as you need it and it's donation only I can't believe you have been treated like that I went for my first physiotherapy and got sent away as he had never had anyone with ankle replacement before 2 ND physio I got taken out of the wheelchair and done exercises on the walking poles by 3 ru visit I was doing everything anyway even moved house so I got discharged but unfortunately for me a few months later my own bone grew back so I've just had ankle arthroscopy so fingers crossed this gets rid of pain and helps my mobility because I was great for the first few months good luck hope this helps regards Meg
  • crys1107
    crys1107 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Can you please tell me what is the name of the boot and insole the podiatrist told you to get. Thank you.
    • Princessvirgo
      Princessvirgo crys1107

      Posted

      The hospital gave me the boot but the insoles for your shoes are just gel orthopedic out of boots the chemist they will point you to the proper ones when you explain what it's for their scholl also boots have their own make hope this helps xxx
  • lucy53675
    lucy53675 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Hey Ultraboxer

    I had a full right ankle replacement in May of this year so early days for me.

    But the pain has certainly gone - well the pain that was caused by having an arthritic ankle has. I still do get swelling and pain but of a different type and it's not continuous.

    But as I said it's early days for me as I've only just started rehab (due to long NHS waiting list and a few hospital delays)

    I know personally that in my circumstances I am limited (but would have been with or without surgery) I will never be able to run again and I cannot participate in high impact activities (sport or dance) any longer but I am now even in this short space of time walking better

    I guess it really is down to individual quirks?

  • brian57538
    brian57538 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Hello I have two days ago had a TAR on my R/H ankle . Its the Infinity TAR with the Jig specialy made to measure after a MRI scan before the op.

    I also during the op was given a nerve block to help me deal with the post op pain.

    Now that two days has passed my foot is in plaster and i have a intermitent stabbing pain that has been with me from the start ( even with the nerve block) and a numb big toe that has just appeaed.

    I was wondering if other had the same problem but after reading the posts i see that is common.

    Still as a new poster i will keep the fourm updated.

  • merry2652
    merry2652 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    42 years ago I suffered a trimalleolar injury to my left ankle and subsequent growth of anterior bone spurs which left my foot in a stiff slightly plantar-flexed position. I played lots of sports over the years (with the help of orthotics and increased metatarsal flexibility). Three weeks ago in Southern California, I had Star TAR and Achilles lengthening procedures.

    Uncharacteristically, my Orthopedist put me in a boot only two weeks post Op with instructions to do range of motion exercises. Until reading your posts, I was feeling impatiently concerned as I unrealistically expected immediate full mobility (especially with the Achilles lengthening procedure). My incision is healing well. Numbness has mostly subsided, but I have twinges of burning alongside the medial part of foot. Movement of the joint itself is very limited. I try to balance pain with range of motion exercises (with an elastic resistance band) to begin regaining flexibility. Most of the day, I sit with my foot elevated. When I have to lower my leg, I find that flexing my foot (like 10 times) stimulates enough circulation to keep that pressure pain to a minimum. Soreness and achiness occur at the end of days.

     I’m excited to start PT at six weeks to deal with these muscles, tendons, and ligaments that did not work properly for 42 years. Your comments about this being a painful process are encouraging and help me accept that the recovery will be slow. I especially appreciated the comment that “if you work hard, you should end up with a good result.”

  • merry2652
    merry2652 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Reading through your forum has been helpful and inspring. Thank you.

    I am now 2 months post TAR surgery and have completed 5 PT sessions. I can now control my pain and swelling levels (except during PT sessions) depending on how much I move and bear weight. I am satisfied (not ecstatic) with increased mobility after 42 years of an ankle locked in plantar flexion, but am behind schedule in my ability to bear weight (currently at about 30 pounds tolerance). 

    Anybody at my stage, I suggest finding a Great PT and a pool where you can walk in chest deep water.

  • Barb2015
    Barb2015 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Hi, well having thought I had researched my TAR well I have only just discovered this forum and it made me pretty miserable to begin with - but I had cheered up by the end.

    Very similar to others here I am 51 and had a major accident on my right ankle over 30 years ago (broke both 'ankle bones' off with a number of corresponding fractures moving up into my leg. After an excellent recovery I never thought about it much more; it always looked a little deformed and ached in bad weather but other than that, nothing. Nearly three years ago I started with chronic sciatica on my left side, and ended up with an emergency L%S1 discectomy. Since then my back has continued to deteriorate and I have very bad bursitis in my left hip. Then chronic pains started in my right ankle and my excellent physic made me go for an x-ray which showed that I had end stage osteo-arthritis of the whole joint (which had caused and will continue to cause all the problems in my spine and left hip). The only obvious options were fusion or a TAR and I was keen to put a lot of effort in, so knowing that it might not work & had a relatively limited life expectancy I entered the TARVA (total ankle replacement vs anthrodesis) NHS trial. Working with my physio and using the NHS’s ‘choose and book (which i didm;t know existed !) I went with a specialist ankle surgeon who was luckily also close to my home.

    I had my TAR 48 hours ago - a ‘successful’ op by my surgeon’s accounts but difficult; my actual ankle was small and quite deformed when they went in and they broke the medial maleolus in the process and have had to plate that too. When testing the amount of movement I would be likely to get they took the decision that it was still being very limited by shortened muscles / achilles tendon which had happened because of my limited movement over time so they have gone in there too and cut that in a way which will hopfully help it stretch. So it’s quite a bit more surgery and sounding more complicated with a longer recovery period than I had hoped for, but absolutely nothing that he hadn’t discussed with me in advance. He also knew that I have pre booked long term physio (with somebody he knows well) which starts next week (now just to keep the rest of me mobile as it will be too early to touch my ankle). 

    The reason I was doing some slightly different internet searches this morning is that I could not believe the pain I have been in throughout the night and was getting increasingly worried about the fact my toes are slowly going ‘dead’. I have pain throughout and a burning sensation down the front of my shin- maybe I was just being overly optimistic - does this sound familiar to others here ?

    Also, I am interested in what pain relief people left hospital with- I had a great anaesthetist who told me I would need heavy duty painkillers to get through the first few weeks (she was in persuasion mode as I don’t like to take too many) and I agreed to it. But on the ward they have written me up with paracetemol, ibuprofen 3 times a day and 2.5ml of oxycodone ?

    Any answers would be very welcome - and I am sure I will be back on in coming weeks with lots more ! It’s very helpful to see people’s journey of progression.

  • merry2652
    merry2652 Ultraboxer

    Posted

    65 year old with TAR surgery along with an Achilles Lengthening procedure in Southern California September 1, 2015. Three months later, I am mostly encouraged, but some days discouraged. Pain (except at PT appontments) is minimal, mobility is improved and improving, and numbness has disappeared. I still need to use a walker, but am now about 90% weight bearing (walking in a swimming pool really helps, as I can completely control amount of weight-bearing verses pain). 

     

  • LDT
    LDT Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Hi Ultraboxer

    Sometime since I have posted on my surgery. 

    I have had a busy year and I have had the best of movement in my TAR ankle possible. Lately I have had some pain and discomfort and went to the surgeon on Tuesday. It appears that my Fibula never healed and my whole ankle has moved, braking a screw and the others are comming loose. So far the possiblilty exists that the prostheses has become loose as well and I need to go for a CT scan to find out what the condition of the prosthesis is. I am back on crouches to save my ankle any other stress in case the prostehsis is still inact. If it is loose, then I am in for one hell of an operation and an attempt to permanently fix my ankle with NO movement what so ever. Bad news my friends.

    I will keep posting here but at this stage I am of the opnion that TAR may unfortuanatly be a short term solution to a long term problem...meaning...think again before you go for it. It works very well but is can not last for very long, unless you sit most of the time and keep weight and stress away from you ankle most of the time. 

    Regards

    Leon 

    • gilbert-grapes
      gilbert-grapes LDT

      Posted

      Dear Leon,

      Like you, long time I do not post here, but knowing that is your posting I cannot fail to reply. I am so sorry for your current situation, I knew you were a difficult case because of your fibula plus all the screws, I regret to hear the news of more intervention surgery on you my friend.

      My TAR is now approaching one full year by the end of December. Perhaps I am lucky, but I still believe each TAR case is a particular case, but also believe the recovery burden will be different for each patient. I did three sections of PT this year, by the third one I realized that I have reached the "final threshold", I mean, today I know my recovery is over and my mobility gain is no more, I am stuck with it for ever. It is not too bad, I can walk freely without any mechanical help, only my tendons became stiffer than before and I have little pain and dragging when I walk. I still maintain a routine exercise, which I know it does good to my mobility. I cannot run or stomp my left foot and walking on uneven ground is a challenge, or simply walking down a staircase.

      I am 60 y.o. now and I don't know how long more I have to live. All I expect is that my TAR will endure with me for the rest of it anyway, again, I think I am one of the lucky ones that can say with much confidence that the procedure worked for me.

      Wishing all the best to you in the upcoming procedure, with a positive result nonetheless.

      Gilbert

    • LDT
      LDT gilbert-grapes

      Posted

      Hi Gilbert

      I am glad all is well with your TAR so far. 

      I had x-rays taken in March this year and the surgeon said all is fine, except for the Fibula that was taking it's time to heal. I regret not going for x-rays again in October but I was going on very well although I had minor discomfort when got after sitting for a while. For me that was ok and nothing out of the ordinary. Even now I am walking without any serious pain and I am holding on to the slight possibility that perhaps the prosthesis is still in place and well fixated and that it's only the Fibula failure that causes the problems. Maybe it can be strengthened with a bigger plate and the prosthesis re-aligned. I also have 100% smooth movement in the joint without any significant pain. I hope to have a CT scan taken his week and that will establish the status of the prosthesis and from there a course of action will have to be decided upon. 

      The prognosis for TAR failure is not good and the options very grim. Total fusion if no infection or amputation. Revision is a possibility although I don’t think is a solution. So far I don't have infection but with a possible loosening prosthesis… rejection may creep in and with it infection. I hope I am spared of that fate though. 

      I am in good spirits and I have been once without a hip for 8 months and lots of uncertainty and it all worked out at the end. 

      Best advice I can give at this stage is to look extremely well after your ankle and do less than more with it, even if it feels 100%. The wear and tear on that little piece of metal is enormous and one can really misjudge the capabilities of the replacement and end up with loosening. I am 53 so I hope to have a few years left. 

      Regards

      Leon

         

  • Jpsotan
    Jpsotan Ultraboxer

    Posted

    Hello! I had total ankle replacement on Oct8th of this year. Before my operation I was in so much pain I grit my teeth every time I took a step. I had polio as a child and did great until I was in a car accident and a doctor took out all the carledge and it was bone against bone. I live in Florida and went to Orlando foot and ankle to get an implant. They said that I could not have it done and said my only option was fusion. I contacted a doctor in Miami , dr Feldman and his associates Dr. Marie Williams and Dr Jean holwinski. These are some great doctors. I was in the hospital for 3 days and had no pain. To this date I never took any pain medicine since I left the hospital. I am walking with my sneakers and a ankle sturip.i have no pain in my ankle a little discomfort be cause I just started walking. The swelling is not bad at all. I can't tell you what will happen down the road but right now I have not had any pain since my operation. The only ting I can say is I had 3 great doctors I am very lucky. I would highly recommend them in every respect.
    • gilbert-grapes
      gilbert-grapes Jpsotan

      Posted

      Dear Jpsotan,

      It is always great to hear news of success with ankle replacement, and it appears yours is becoming one success! Having good doctors backing you up is also a blessing (I am in Houston, also good doctor with me). I am surprised to hear you are already walking - if I understood correctly without any mechanical help - and having almost no pain and swelling, not even two months after tbe procedure, that is quite amazing!

      I wish the best on your continuing recovery, your experience will be very important to the participants of this forum. I just want to remind though the advice from Mr. Leon above, in his last paragraph where he recommends caution even when we feel "100%" ok. I always believed that every TAR case is a case, and I read different stories here that proves exactly my point.

      All the best,

      Gilbert

       

    • robin_12300
      robin_12300 Jpsotan

      Posted

      HI I am Robin,and  had my TAR Oct 29, 2015. 

      I was in the hospital just over night.  I took pain pills for about two days because the dr insisted this would be necessary, so my family insisted I take them.  I was in the surgercial dressing for 3 weeks. They need remove dressing and put on a cast fr two weeks.  i just went this past Thursday for another cast and was advise to use a walker or crutches but I need to start taken about 5 steps an hour and work my way up to 10steps.  so on Friday, i was a little nervous butI got up and put my foot on the floor. Honestly I can walk around the house without walker or crutches.  I don't have pain just a little discomfort.  My family says I am doing to much.  I plan on calling the doctor tomorrow and see if I am pushing things and should I take it easy.  I walked in pain since my accident back in 2002. I know with still having a cast this maybe the reason it doesn't hurt.  does this sound right

    • gilbert-grapes
      gilbert-grapes robin_12300

      Posted

      Dear Robin, my advice to you is to take it easy, just because you don't feel the pain it does not necessarily mean that you can bare all the weight yet. Follow your doctors, also, if you need to be mobile both in and out of house, try a "knee walker", it really works great! way better than crutches or those foldable walkers. I did not bare full weight on my akles before 3 months, but started PT less than a month after surgery.

      Regards, G.

    • Jpsotan
      Jpsotan gilbert-grapes

      Posted

      Hi Gilbert, thank you for you letter. Yes so far everything is going great,I started walking after 6 weeks and every thing seems fine. I have no ankle pain at all. I am in a different boat then most. I got polio at 3 months old and had many operations till the age of 14. After that I had no problems but I never walked on my heel. I walked on the ball of my foot all my life and it was fine. No one knew I had anything wrong with me. But I was in a car accident and a doctor took out all the carledge and from that point on it was down hill. I wokprk every day I have a mill work shop and love to work but my ankle was making it impossible to even walk. But now I see a light at the end of the tunnel. So I have been very lucky. 
    • gilbert-grapes
      gilbert-grapes Jpsotan

      Posted

      Hi JPsotan, I know it has been two months since you wronte to me above, but I think you'd like to know that I also have been affected by polio at young age; the achilis tendon in my left leg started shrinking, about 2 yo I started walking on the ball of my foot, until age 9 when I have my first achilis stretch operation. I spent too long time (over two months) with a cast, which resulted in severe atrophy of my calf muscle. Then it was all downhill from there, at 19 I did another achilis stretch but by then I already had large fibrosis developed around the tendon, which made it more stiff. I don't know if there is any connection to the past history but later on in life my ankle bones developed spurs, one of them broke a tip and the tiny bone lodged in my ankle joint. Then perhaps the worse thing I did after that was to decide to have that bone piece removed (I was having pain while walking and sports activities); the surgeon "lost" the sand-size bone inside the joint and ended up damaging the cartilage in the attemp to find it again! I found it all right, but I ended up with joint arthritis and the pain that evolved after that. The rest is easy to guess, I consulted with another surgeon who recommended total ankle replacement, which I did a little more than a year ago.

      Despite of everything I consider myself quite lucky today because I can walk and do most normal activities, except for running or having any hard impact on my ankle. My tendon is still stiff, but I exercise everyday to keep some flexibility at least.

      All the best,

    • dbee
      dbee robin_12300

      Posted

      Hello Robin  just been reading your blog and interested to read that you started weight bearing after 2 weeks after the op.  I saw my consultant last week and he said the same thing to me,  1 night in the hospital  then 2 weeks in a cast then an airboot  but weight bearing after only 2 weeks which surprised me, didnt think you could do that after only 2 weeks.  Im not having TAR done yet as ive read so many awful reports of subsequent pain after  TAR was done that Im putting it off as long as  poss.  Which TAR did you have done?  Also where did you have this done?  Im being recommended Wright Infinity.   Hope you carry on doing ok.
    • kim30180
      kim30180 dbee

      Posted

      It seems the recovery is so different for everyone. My Fiance had TAR on March 4, overnight in the hospital. 2 weeks in a cast, then a boot for 2weeks. Then while still using the boot, 1 week 25% weight bearing, next week 50%, next 75%, next 100% THEN start therapy. He still has pain and a lot of swelling. We are concerned with the pain that seems to intensify with the weather (but we hope this is still surgery pain) and the swelling. This blog is wonderful to hear other stories and compare
    • dbee
      dbee kim30180

      Posted

      hello Kim  Your fiancee is doing well I think compared to some horrendous reports ive read previously -  also probably reasonably young -  Ive been told to expect up to 18months for recovery but the fact he is weight bearing after 4 weeks sounds really good.  I have my appointment at the royal orthopaedic in London in 2 weeks to assess my situation and am very nervous of making this major decision.  Continued good luck to you.
    • BradleySTAR
      BradleySTAR kim30180

      Posted

      Hello Kim.  I just came across your comments on your fiance and agree with dbee that he seems to be coming along well.  I have not posted for a long time and wanted to share with you my progress.  I had a STAR performed coming up to a year ago on my left ankle (May 21, 2015). I must say that it was difficult in the beginning with the pain and swelling.  I was still having swelling into October 2015 and this made it difficult at work during a busy part of the year.  I was prescribed Meloxicam and this helped very much with the pain and swelling.  In about January of this year I noticed that my ankle was feeling better and I was not taking any pain medication at all.  I am happy to say that after almost a year I have little to no pain and not much swelling anymore and I am very happy with the movement I have.  I still have numbness on top of the foot where I had a nerve cut but it does not bother me at all anymore.  I believe that will improve also with time as smaller nerves attempt to grow and replace this damaged nerve.  We will see.  But overall I wanted you to know that I now feel I made the correct choice and I am very happy with my STAR.  The ankle pain I had before is gone!!  The future is uncertain but my hope now is that I will have 10 plus years of pain free walking.  My STAR will need to be redone most likely as I am soon to be 55 and hope to live to have that done.  The STAR is mechanical and will wear out.  But I am not over weight which is important with these.  So I just want to say I wish the best for your fiance and for him to be patient with his recovery.  It takes longer than most expect as I found out but as I said, I am very happy with my outcome.  Wish him all the luck.
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